What Is a Step Lift?
Getting around a building shouldn’t be a challenge, but small changes in level can create big barriers – especially for wheelchair users, pushchairs, or anyone with limited mobility. When a ramp isn’t practical and a full-sized lift feels excessive, step lifts are where you can turn. Designed for short travel distances, step lifts offer a smart, space-saving solution to everyday access issues in homes, workplaces, and public buildings.
Making Sense of Step Lifts
A step lift – also known as a short-rise lift, low-rise lift, or vertical platform lift – is a compact mode designed to overcome small changes in level, typically up to around 3 metres. Ideal for bridging half-staircases, raised entrances, or internal split-levels. Step lifts provide a safe and dignified way to move between levels without the need for bulky ramps or large-scale lift installations.
Stairlifts & Full Passenger Lifts
Unlike stairlifts, which require the user to transfer from a wheelchair to a seat, step lifts allow users to remain on the platform – making them especially well-suited to wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility. Most use a simple L-shaped platform that travels vertically within a small footprint, with constant-pressure controls (meaning the button must be held down during movement) for safety and ease of use.
Step lifts differ from full passenger lifts in both scale and specification. There’s no need for a deep pit, lift shaft, or overhead machinery, making them quicker and less disruptive to install. Whether used indoors or outdoors, they’re a smart way to improve accessibility wherever small height differences pose a barrier.
Why Choose a Step Lift Over a Ramp or Full Lift?
Step lifts are often the most practical solution when space, budget, or building constraints rule out other options.
- Ramps, for example, require a long run to meet accessibility gradients – something many sites simply can’t accommodate.
- Full passenger lifts, while suitable for greater heights, can be more costly and involve extensive building work depending on the space.
Step lifts strike the perfect balance. Designed specifically for short travel distances, they’re compact, cost-effective, and far quicker to install – often in just a few days. This makes them ideal for locations like retail entrances, school buildings, offices, and private homes where a small change in level still presents a significant barrier.
Types of Step Lifts
Step lifts come in a range of designs to suit different environments, user needs, and building layouts. While all are designed to overcome short rises in level, there are several features to consider when choosing the right solution.
Internal vs External Step Lifts
Some step lifts are designed for indoor use, such as between split-level floors or within reception areas, while others are suitable for external installations at entrances, terraces, or raised walkways.
Our models are suitable for both internal and external use, with weather-resistant components and an IP54 protection rating, making them a practical choice in a wide range of environments.
Drive Systems
Modern step lifts use different drive technologies depending on the manufacturer and application.
Our step lifts use an electric drive with soft start and stop technology to provide smooth, controlled travel while keeping maintenance requirements low.
Installation Options
Some step lifts require significant structural work, while others are designed to simplify installation.
Our range requires no lift pit and can be retrofitted with minimal disruption, making them well suited to existing buildings as well as new projects. Their modular design also allows installation in locations with restricted access.
Open Platform Design
Open platform step lifts remain the most common solution for short rises. They provide step-free access while maintaining a compact footprint and are equipped with safety gates, interlocked doors and pressure-sensitive safety systems.
Many step lifts also offer optional features such as automatic door operators, wireless call stations, emergency communication systems, and custom finishes. Our platform step lifts come with a range of options including automatic doors, voice guidance, tinted glazing, configurable LED lighting, and battery-backed emergency power.
Key Features and Benefits of Modern Step Lifts
Today’s step lifts are designed to make accessibility as straightforward and stress-free as possible. One of the biggest advantages is how quickly they can be installed, with minimal disruption to the surrounding environment. Most models don’t require a pit or headroom, and many are fully freestanding, meaning no major structural changes are needed.
For users, operation is simple. Controls are intuitive and typically use constant-pressure buttons, ensuring safe, controlled movement at all times. Entry and exit points are often equipped with gates or barriers, many of which are interlocked for added safety.
Modern step lifts are also packed with practical safety features as standard. These can include emergency stop buttons, battery backup systems, pressure-sensitive safety edges, and secure door locking mechanisms.
Where Are Step Lifts Typically Installed?
In public buildings like shops, schools, healthcare centres, and care homes, they provide essential wheelchair access where ramps or passenger lifts aren’t suitable. They’re also a common choice in commercial premises such as offices and hospitality venues with internal level changes or raised entrances.
In residential settings, step lifts are ideal for overcoming front door thresholds, garden steps, or split-level living areas. Outdoor event spaces also benefit from their flexibility, particularly when temporary or semi-permanent access is needed.
Gartec engineers frequently install step lifts in schools, small offices, and healthcare environments, where space is limited and traditional lift systems would be too large or complex. Wherever they’re placed, step lifts offer a simple, compliant and reliable way to improve access.
An Overview of the Gartec Step Lift Range
Gartec offers the UnaPorte® Platform Step Lift, a compact solution for overcoming changes in level of up to 3 metres. Suitable for both residential and commercial applications, it provides reliable step-free access where ramps are impractical or space is limited.
UnaPorte® Platform Step Lift
Designed for both internal and external installation, the UnaPorte® combines a small footprint with straightforward installation. It requires no lift pit, supports loads of up to 385kg, and is available with features including automatic door operators, wireless call stations, battery-backed operation, and customisable finishes to suit the surrounding environment.
Ideal for entrances, terraces, balconies, schools, care homes, retail environments and split-level buildings, the UnaPorte® provides a practical way to improve accessibility without the complexity of a full passenger lift.
How to Choose the Right Step Lift
If you’re unsure, we can help you assess your space and requirements, ensuring your lift is both practical and compliant. In the meantime, we recommend considering the following:
- Travel Height: Most step lifts cover up to 3 metres, but some models are better suited to shorter rises.
- Location: You’ll also need to think about whether the lift will be used indoors or outdoors, as this affects the materials and weather protection needed.
- Aesthetic Preferences: Especially in residential or customer-facing environments. Looks may guide your choice towards more discreet or customisable models.
- Frequency of Use & Weight Capacity: Both are important when selecting a reliable, long-term solution. Particularly if used with powered wheelchairs.
Step Lifts Make Accessibility Simple
Designed with real-life use in mind, step lifts are suitable for wheelchair users, pushchairs, and anyone with limited mobility. Whether for a private home, public space, or commercial building, step lifts provide a straightforward way to improve accessibility, and make everyday movement easier for everyone.
If you’re ready to make your space more accessible, explore our full range of step lifts to find the right fit for your home or building. And if you need help deciding, we’re here to guide you through the options and make the process simple from start to finish.
